As we reach the end of 1H 2024, the northern hemisphere is embracing the start of the summer season. However, mosquitoes, the staple of the season, are becoming increasingly active and this time, they are transmitting viral diseases to unexpected places.
In the month of June, we saw multiple warnings of dengue fever across Europe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) sounded the alarm on the worsening spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe, stating that Aedes albopictus (aka the Asian tiger mosquito), known for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, is spreading further north, east, and west in Europe. Thirteen European countries are now experiencing self-sustaining populations of Aedes albopictus, including Austria, France and Germany.
Dengue has been dominating the headlines in the US this week, following a health alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advising health care providers about an elevated risk of dengue fever infections in the U.S.
Numerous reports on consumer goods targeting mosquitoes suggest that the market is booming. The global mosquito repellent market is projected to reach $6 billion in 2027, increasing from $4.1 billion in 2020. The bug zappers market is also estimated to ‘witness phenomenal growth’ at a CAGR of 5.71% from 2023 to 2030.
In terms of company updates, this month Island released new modelling data that confirmed the predicted ideal single dose for the soon-to-commence ISLA-101 Phase 2 clinical trial. We have since revised the Phase 2 study protocol from multiple to single dose. This will streamline the cost implications for the Phase 2 study significantly. Our submission package to the FDA also includes a proposed protocol that expands from a pure prophylactic (i.e. preventative) focus to also include a therapeutic (i.e. treatment) arm, bringing wider, more exciting potential to ISLA-101.
Dengue Live Map, as of 20 June 2024
Credit (click to check live dengue status): https://www.healthmap.org/dengue/en/
HEADLINES OF THE MONTH
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Tiger mosquitoes invading Europe
Aided by climate change, tiger mosquitoes are spreading dengue fever across Europe. The ECDC advises using repellents and removing stagnant water from around the home.
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The Olympics may become a dengue super-spreader event
The tiger mosquito is perfectly adapted to thrive in the urban Parisian environment. With thousands of travellers and many water sources for breeding, experts are warning that the conditions present a strong risk.
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Cases recorded in Torres Strait
Dengue fever cases on Mer Island have increased to seven, following an initial outbreak last month, raising concerns among health officials.
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‘ASEAN Dengue Day 2024’ event held in Bangkok
The Thai Government and its partners held an event to emphasise public awareness and the prevention of dengue fever, in line with WHO’s goal to achieve a zero-mortality rate by 2030.
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LATEST ISLAND PHARMACEUTICAL UPDATES
This month, Island CEO Dr David Foster sat down with leading small cap share analyst and business journalist, Tim Boreham, for a feature article in his Dr Boreham’s Crucible column.
In the interview, Dr Foster explained that with a broadened, more effective clinical trial design, Island is excited about commencing recruitment for the Phase 2 trial in July and dosing subjects in August. Initial results may be available by the end of this calendar year. Dr Foster said that this is “lightning fast” for a Phase 2 study, and many inflexion points can be expected in the next 12 months.
Read the full article>>
In June, Dr David Foster visited Australia and travelled across the country for a series of investor roadshows. Watch this highlight video of an Island investor luncheon in Perth.
Latest investor presentation here>>
During his Australian visit, Dr David Foster joined a webinar hosted by Sharewise to discuss Island’s clinical updates and investment opportunities, followed by a live Q&A with the investor audiences.
Watch the webinar>>
Dr Foster also featured on the podcast ASX Brief, providing a deep dive into Island’s lead drug candidate ISLA-101, and the company’s strategic roadmap for the months ahead.
Listen to the full episode>>
Last but not least, Dr Foster spoke with Melbourne-based Disrupt Radio and discussed at length about the process of building a biotech business in Australia vs other countries around the world.
Listen to the full segment>>
DID YOU KNOW
What are Priority Review Vouchers (PRVs) and why are they important to Island? PRVs are incentives issued by the FDA to encourage the development of treatments for rare paediatric diseases, tropical diseases, and medical countermeasures. These vouchers allow for expedited review of a new drug application, significantly reducing the time to market. In the Sharewise webinar, CEO Dr David Foster discusses PRVs and the commercial opportunities they present.
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